Discharge Instructions for Patients Having Had Low Back Surgery

ACTIVITY INSTRUCTIONS

• Avoid activities such as lifting, pulling, twisting, or pushing.
• Gradually increase your activites and let your comfort be your guide. Walking is good exercise. Please stay on level ground as much as possible the first few weeks.
• After discharge you should continue performing the exercises taught by the physical therapist.
• Avoid running, jogging, or bicycle riding.
• You may sit to east, but should avoid sitting for greater than 30 minutes during the first week. It is best to be up walking and exercising or lying down to rest.
• As you become more active, you may experience an increase in discomfort, including numbness and occasional leg pain, so do not become alarmed.
• Sexual relations may be resumed at your discretion.
• It is not unusual to have some intermittent mild pain in the affected leg after surgery, as often times the nerve has been bruised by the pressure of a disc herniation pressing against it. This bruising of a nerve takes several weeks to resolve.

WOUND INSTRUCTIONS

• If your incision has Steri-Strips, you may get the incision wet 3 to 5 days after surgery. When the edges curl, the Steri-Strips can be carefully removed.
• If you have stitches that can be seen, avoid soaking the incision. You may shower if you cover the incision with plastic wrap and tape.

MEDICATION INSTRUCTIONS

• At the time of your discharge, you will be given prescription for pain medicine. Please contact our office for refill authorization. Please note: we do not take prescription calls on Fridays, weekends, or holidays.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR WHEN TO CALL

•  Please call your physician if yor develop any of the following: (Office hours 8:00-4:30, phone 423-5781-518)
• Fever (over 100 degrees), chills, or sweats.
• Drainage from your incision. (A small amount of puffiiness and numbness around the area of the incision is normal).
• New pain or weakness beginning after you leave the hospital.
• You will be given an appointment for your next office visit at hospital discharge.
• If any of these symptoms occur contact the doctor at 423-5781-518.

In case of an emergency after business hours, please contact our answering service by calling 423-5781-518 and they will direct your questions to the physician on call OR go to the nearest emergency room.